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Posted on the 20th December 2024 in PHTM News
COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR HIGHLY REGARDED LAWYER WHO ASSAULTED JERSEY TAXI DRIVER
A 56-year-old “highly regarded” advocate in Jersey has been sentenced to 130 hours of community service after drunkenly assaulting a taxi driver.
David Samuel Steenson pleaded guilty to common assault in the Magistrate's Court, admitting to punching the driver, who sustained multiple cuts and bruises to his face.
The incident occurred on November 13th after Steenson, who had been celebrating with colleagues, took a taxi home and Steenson talking amicably shortly before the incident.
Merry van Woodenberg, prosecuting, said that when they reached his home and the driver asked for payment, the atmosphere changed.
“Mr Steenson appeared to be confused about how to pay. The taxi driver waited for some five minutes. He then said he was going to take him to the police station.
“Mr Steenson started to grab at the steering wheel and the gear stick.”
The court was shown footage in which Steenson punched the driver while shouting in a panicked voice: “Let me out of this car!”
The driver, who has diabetes and is on various medication, suffered “serious but not permanent injuries” and had to undergo a CT scan after the attack, which showed no lasting physical damage.
The driver is now fearful about returning to work following the attack and id nervous about the passengers he carries.
Defence attorney Paul Nicholls, said Steenson suffered from acute claustrophobia after an experience while potholing many years ago left him very nervous in enclosed spaces. He said: “One wonders why the taxi driver didn’t just let him out.”
Advocate Nicholls argued for community service, citing Steenson's remorse, impeccable character, and the fact that this was a first offence.
Magistrate Bridget Shaw acknowledged Steenson's remorse and the impact of his actions, stating, "I accept this was a panicked reaction."
In addition to the community service, she ordered him to pay £2,420.
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